Not sure why I gave this pub such a high mark since the service was crap. Well, I guess it was because I wanted a half pint, and they gave me a pint. Well, I guess that is a minor issue. However, ignoring that, it was the nature of the pub that was awesome because, as the name suggests, it is a hole in the wall, located under the railway lines heading to Charing Cross, and just across from Waterloo Station. Honestly, it's much better than the railway station pubs. read more

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Came here to escape the rain and grab a drink. They didn't seem to have a restaurant but rather you could order food from Honest Burgers to be delivered there, which was interesting. It was your standard pub but the bartender was nice enough to let my friend try the beers to figure out which one she liked. They have a limited wine menu but it was nice and cheap. The bar itself is pretty big with front seating and then an entire side room that is spacious with tables and seating available. read more

Hole in the Wall - Bar - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I've read many yeah and nay reviews for this pub. It depends on what your expectation is. It is a classic unadulterated working class pub plain and simple that still serves a selection of cask ales. As for food, if you want a bag of crisps with your drink that they have, a grand menu of pub fare they don't. I loved the place for what it is. read more

Hole in the Wall - Cask ales! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I'd rate Hole in the Wall four and a half stars. Great variety of beers. I had a local cask ale and a local lager. Service was quick. One of the few places that had AC going earlier in the day. Wifi available. Indoor and outdoor seating. read more

4 of us dropped in for a drink after a pro Palestine demo. I was wearing a free Palestine T. shirt . we were there for about 2 hours minding our own business when a large group of what I believe to be Zionist counter demonstrators came in, I was going to the toilet and was accosted by 3 women shouting at me. Then on the way back a large man " accidentally shoved me" and another man shouted " you are in the wrong place love" We didn't engage and drank up and left. One of the men followed us out and stood on the doorstep. one of our friends hadn't come out so we tried to go back in and the man physically barred our way. when our friend came out he said that he had removed a very offensive flyer from a table and was grabbed by the throat by someone. They continued to harass us shouting "why don't you go and live in Gaza" This was all extremely intimidating and aggressive. Be warned do not enter this pub after a pro Palestine demo with any badges etc. Clearly this is where these Zionist bigots congregate . read more

Cool Pub , was caught in the rain on my Saturday Afternoon in Ye ole London Town , so this wet American ducked into the Hole in the wall, got myself a cold Beer . Great Prices . read more

Hole in the Wall - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Do you want an authentic English pub experience? This is the place to come. It took us a solid 3 minutes to find the entrance to this pub(its pretty clear which entrance is the actual one. Don't accidentally go through an unmarked door next to a sign for the place like we did). It is well worth the search and then some. Upon finding the entrance, we were immediately greeted with live folk music complete with fiddle, accordions and the works. Beer is a good price, and this place has real soul. It just happened to be exactly what a couple of American tourists were searching for on a rainy Sunday evening. read more

Hole in the Wall - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I stopped in when in London for the day recently. I saw a sign from the back, and when I walked around to the entrance, I could see an escalator in the Waterloo Station through a window across the street. In addition to a handy and interesting location, the Hole in the Wall has a cozy interior with copper table tops (I'm a sucker for copper table tops in a pub). It was a quiet, drizzly afternoon when I stopped in, and there was just one other customer in the front bar where I sat. When I ordered a pint, I didn't have anything specific in mind because I don't really know much about beers or ales. The bar mistress thought about my description (something kind of light), and came back with two samples for me to try. How thoughtful! She was extremely gracious serving someone who really didn't mind what I was given, and that made her attempt to find just the right ale for me even nicer. Because they had WiFi and because the rain picked up, I stayed for awhile and let my tired feet rest. It was the perfect break, and I have a very nice memory of my visit to the Hole in the Wall. read more

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This place is an interesting hole - literally! It is situated under a train line outside of waterloo station. It is filled with all sorts of people. Locals, tourists, commuters, children and dogs! They have a little outside area with wooden table and benches and big round ashtrays. Not a place you would probably choose to go - but it is a good meeting spot when people are travelling from all over into Waterloo and trains are delayed and there is a sports game on and people want relatively cheap drinks! The interior is very basic you almost feel like you are in a school canteen area. Random selection of tables and chairs dotted around. Immature banter and random groups of people scattered in groups! Check it out if ever waiting for friends! You might meet some interesting people... read more

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My American boyfriend has been missing his (American) football and Coors light after almost two weeks in Europe. We stumbled on this place (thanks to Yelp) after dinner on the Southbank of the Thames and it fit the bill. A great dive bar playing NFL and Coors Light on tap. Hes a happy camper! read more

There is nothing glamorous about the H.I.T.W. It is unpretentious with a capital U. A boozer, pure and simple. Reasonably priced beer and food, no frills. Yet, it is very popular with a lively clientele of ordinary Londoners and dazed tourists. A watering hole within spitting distance of Waterloo station. In a world of faux pubs and bars, it remains somewhere honest. Long may it continue. read more

The name friggin fits. You know when you walk into a local pub and there's the local men hangin about but it's quaint and you can still grab a seat next to them and watch the game? Yeah no this place was not like that at all. Not even bad good, just bad bad. Oddly decent sized back garden space but with angry clientele who did not like sharing lighters, grrrrr. sheesh. We were looking to grab one more drink before all jumping on the train at Waterloo station. This place is right next door. Haha my friend was warning people on the street not to go in as we were exiting. read more

Very lowkey pub, very alternative feel and music! Really cool spot just to hang out, definitely recommend the traditional fish and chips they were amazing. Bring a pen because people write on the bathroom stall walls lol, also good prices I purchased 2 beers a soda and two dishes of fish and chips and it came out to 28 pounds, only downside is now and then there's a rumble from the trains that pass by read more

Aptly named, Hole in the Wall is pretty much that although quite a large one. It's a pub (for those of you wondering) with a small front area and bar, a larger (but with deceptively few tables) back area with separate bar, and a medium sized beer garden. As far as pubs go, it's about average at best. The menu looked pretty inviting but the kitchen was closed by 7pm so I can't comment on the food sadly. They are also not very transparent about the timings so that might change day to day. Not much else to say about this. The path to the beer garden is sadly along the hallway to the bathrooms which emanate a truly sickening urine stench. So I'd vote for staying out of that area if at all possible. If in the Waterloo area, there are a number of better pubs, my favourite being the Wellington, so overall I wouldn't recommend going here unless the food turns out to be spectacular. read more

I should start by saying that this pub, which is underneath the arches of a railway viaduct near Waterloo station, tends to attract both very positive and very negative opinions. What I like about it is that it hasn't changed in decades. It's a survival from a time before pubs became more gentrified, which means that It's rough and ready, and for me that's what makes it charming. Others may consider that 'charm' to be more verging on squalor (I'm thinking here of the toilets, which are definitely on the basic, unrenovated side). My favourite area in the pub is the front room, which is furnished with comfortable upholstered benches as well as regular chairs. It has a timeless feel, with people dropping in for a drink before catching their train (or before/after going to the theatre or somewhere else on the South Bank). I also like the old-fashioned style of the bar itself. Hanging from the wall are various bits of rugby memorabilia. I think this is because Waterloo is where you can catch a train to Twickenham (for the rugby stadium) and so maybe there's a long history of travelling fans calling in here on their way to or from a match. One slight problem I have found is that at busy times it can be hard to get served in the front bar, because the staff are so busy in the main room. The main bar is much larger and much less comfy. There are chairs and tables but they are more basic, and in fact a lot of people seem to like to stand and watch sport on the big-screen TV when there's football or rugby on. Not that I have ever visited one but I think the main room may be rather like a German beer hall. Apart from the rough-and-ready feel of the place, the other reason I like it is for the beer. They always have a decent range of cask ales on, and they are generally well kept, I believe. I've never had food, but someone who ate a meal here told me that the serving size was enormous and it was very reasonably priced. It's 'pub grub' type food. read more

The Hole in the Wall could not be a more befitting name for this two roomed pub situated in an alley behind Waterloo station. If I were a mouse with an entire den to find suitable accommodation for during the cold dark nights of winter, then I would love to call this place my home. But I'm human, unfortunately, and I hate pubs that suck. This pub has super friendly staff and cheap drinks (£1.50 for a half a pint of lager), but it's banal. Complete and utter boredom incarnate. I fell asleep with my eyes open ten times in this place. Maybe because it was a Sunday afternoon, or maybe because I had no interest in the football match that was playing on the giant flat screened television. Whatever the reason, I'm not impressed. If they hire a transsexual mime to keep their clientele entertained during slow days then I'll definitely come back to wash down my belly with some brew. read more

Hole in the Wall - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

I was on a mission to find fish and chips, but since it was getting near dark, and I was traveling alone, I wanted something close to my hotel. I came across the hole in the wall. I thought it looked really neat from the outside, and it was very busy on the inside, and it boasted to have the best fish and chips in london. I ordered from the bar...first I tried to order near the cook station, where the menu is written, and there is a cash register, but I was rudely informed that only bartenders take the orders. Honestly I almost walked out because I don't like being talked down to like that, and why have the menu over a spot where you cannot order, but whatever. I ordered from the bartender, and he too was rude. After 20 mins, the bartender brought out the fish and chips to me. The portion was huge. The fish was done perfectly, it was super crisp and cooked just right...but it was not very good at all. There was minimal flavor, and the breading was too thick...as thick as the fish. The chips themselves had a good flavor and a yummy seasoning. Overall it was just okay. Nothing too great to write home about, but not the worst food I've ever had either. read more

When trains pass overhead it sounds like thunder. This place is like a storm cloud made of cider and cigarette smoke. It's not great. The beer doesn't go down smooth, the bathrooms are tiny and filthy and the decoration is a mix of old newspaper clippings and general tat that probably hasn't been moved in 10 years. But in the end, you do get what you pay for. If you want elegance then go to the Ritz. If you want to roll around in newspaper and watery lager then crawl under a railway arch. This place gives you that option. read more

A good place to stop at on the way to Twickenham for the rugby. Lots of atmosphere, plenty of singing, especially when us Welsh are playing. Even better on the way home after we have beaten England!!! read more

On a recent trip to London, this place had been recommended to my friend who studies in Kingston so we decided to give it a go based on its proximity to Waterloo station. Events from the previous night resulted in us being stranded in Camden for about 2 hours, so this particular night was dedicated to not straying too far away from somewhere that could get us back. Tucked away under the railway and literally a stone's throw from the entrance to Waterloo, it has the look of a cheap and cheerful watering hole. The options available in the way of beers are much the same in most pubs that haven't sold their souls to three lagers who vary only in name, so I was pleased. In terms of cost, it was one of the more reasonably priced pints I had over the weekend and the layout of the place was quite cool. It does have a feel that not much has changed in the last 50 years there, but then I like that. Try coming from a city where pretty much every pub is now being marketed as a hang for students or is taking a change of direction to "focus on the food". Throw in the fact that every now and again the whole place gets a rumble with the trains going by overhead, it all comes together nicely. When we first walked in, we had a look at the front bar which was a bit empty and filled with those of an elder age. The back bar was pretty busy with a varying range of ages - even with a good crowd in there, there was plenty of room to sit and/or stand, plus there's a decent size smoking area out back. This place does what it says on the proverbial tin; it's not the most upmarket of places, but then it's not trying to be. There was a good atmosphere in there, the locals were talkative and if you get into it you'll have as good a time as they are. read more

Nice selection of beer on tap. In a historic old building under the rail way. Very much a hole in the wall. Too bad they stopped serving food at 8 PPM or I would have ordered something. read more

Hole in the Wall - Inside the Hole in the Wall - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Hole in the Wall is exactly what it says on the tin! It is situated opposite Waterloo railway station, or to be more precise under it! It is built into the arches of the station, hence the rumbling of trains audible from inside! It is hardly the most salubrious of locations! The décor is as low key, basic and as spartan as you can get; there are no pretensions here! There is a small outside area beyond the toilets, and food is available. I cannot comment on the food as I have never tried it. The Hole in the Wall is an alternative type of pub for a quick pint before you catch the train, but that's about as far as it goes. read more

A recent return to a pub that was once a very regular venue. Virtually nothing has changed, though we were pleasantly surprised by the state of the beers. The TEA (Hogs Back Brewery) in particular was very fine. The front bar (if there's space) is comfortable, the back bar is large and dark - still has a pinball machine which is playable. They've moved the smokers out to a room somewhere in the darkest hinterland of the railway arches, so the experience is certainly improved to the smoky remembered days. read more

Great grotty simple no frills little bar outside Waterloo Station. Proper spit and sawdust place with a great atmosphere and a huge room to watch sport in. Has a lounge for a quieter beer. Beer prices are average for London. read more

I'm surprised i've not used this pub more. It is so close to the station, usually has good beer selection. There is a big screen in the back room for sport. It is tucked away under the railway, which gives it a bit of a locals insider vibe. An old school watering hole. read more

I think that it's best to end your evening here after you've had a few rather than using it as a starting point. Although the pub has a good range of real ales, both bars feel oppressive. Not surprising since the rear bar doesn't get any natural light, but the strange colour scheme and glow off the fruit machines gives everything a sickly appearance. The front bar feels better, and hearing the trains trundle overhead gives a good sense of place. What the Hole in the Wall has going for it most of all is that it is many, many times better than the bar inside Waterloo station. read more

My South Bank local since 1977, although these days I usually only get in once a month (first Wednesday at midday). Scruffy dump really. Management changes regularly, as does the staff, so service can be a bit 'iffy'. So can the food, for that matter. Always a good selection of real beers though. These days we're drinking Doom Bar. You'll usually find us sitting at the front bar, which is supposed to be the posh bit. Big bar at back and small (tiny) courtyard garden for smokers. read more

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Terrible news to hear this pub has been sold to Youngs, all this pub needs is a decent manager who can keep the tables clean and a refitted toilet. Real ale and real cider choice v good. read more

This pub is under the railway arches, you can hear and feel the trains as they pass overhead. It is close to Waterloo station. It has two bars, the back bar is the largest and is more geared up for food service. 7 ales on tap, Doombar, Youngs bitter, Bombadier, GK IPA, Pedigree, Adnams & TEA. Front bar is smaller and more cosy. The walls are adorned with rugby shirts. The entrance to the pub is small, you may even walk past it. read more

This place is vast. The front is a quieter setting but my group sat in the back to watch soccer on their large TV mounts. Bar service is quick and efficient. The bartender messed up a couple of beer orders from our group but it was New Years Day so I can understand being tired and a bit out of it after celebrating, especially in London. Bangers and Mash and their Fish and Chips were delicious. read more

Its location must be a selling point - very Central London and situated under a railway that gives you a simulation of train journey while enjoying your pint. Good beer and good wine too. Mind you, when I was there they didn't accept cards which was a tad irritating, hope it's not a permanent condition. read more

Iti is what it is. Management come and go, and at times it could do with a going deep clean, but that's the fun of the place, a bit of a spit and sawdust pub, which is hard to comeby in central London. The locals don't seem to like you sitting in their spot, but who can blame them if they're there every night and some sweaty traveller invades their local. Love the roar and tremble of the overhear trains adds to the atmosphere. read more

Good meeting spot for a few before going out. Nice friendly staff. I go here often whilst waiting for train too. Any excuse lol

Worst bar I've ever been to in London. My friend and I had been there for thirty seconds when one of the men working there asked us if we would like to get a drink or sit down. We kept saying no, we would like to talk for a minute, and he wouldn't leave us alone and kept saying "OK - so are you going to get a drink?" I finally told him to leave us alone for two minutes and he said that he wouldn't, at which point I told him we would take our business elsewhere. On the way out he staggered behind the bar to make a phone call and I realized he was drunk beyond belief. In the two minutes I spent looking around it was dirty and full of old people who were absolutely hammered with no fun atmosphere at all. It was more a vibe of people getting drunk as a last resort to escape their lives and sitting around complaining than a bar to have a drink and actually enjoy time with friends. Don't waste your time, other bars are just down the street. read more